Apprentice Commissioning Engineer

Costain; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A civil engineering firm in the UK is seeking an Apprentice Commissioning Engineer for a full-time position. This role provides hands-on experience in water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Kent & Sussex. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic about engineering, have strong communication skills, and meet academic qualifications. The position includes diverse responsibilities and growth opportunities within the team.

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in English, Maths and Science (Grade 9-4 or A*-C).
• A-Level with Maths and a physical science (Grade B in Maths, B, C or above).
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (Grade DDM or above).

Responsibilities

• Work alongside specialist commissioning engineers for hands-on experience.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and observe Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Contribute to commissioning documentation and lead contractor meetings.

Skills

Enthusiasm for engineering

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Teamwork skills

Numeracy skills

Education

GCSE in English, Maths and Science

A-Level including Maths and a physical science

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft software

Job description

Apprentice Commissioning Engineer – Costain Group PLC

Costain Group PLC is inviting applications for the Apprentice Commissioning Engineer role. This position is part of the CMDP joint venture with MWH Treatment, focusing on water and wastewater infrastructure across Kent & Sussex.

About the Project

CMDP is a joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment. CMDP+ have secured a new AMP8 Capital Programme. The Strategic Delivery Partner Framework Agreement with Southern Water covers water supply and wastewater treatment work in the eastern half of its region (Kent & Sussex). This represents the continuation of the successful joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment.

Job Description

Between 2025‑2030, CMDP+ will deliver critical investment to water and wastewater infrastructure across the region, including upgrades to treatment works, pumping stations, and reservoirs. As an Apprenticeship at Costain, you will gain firsthand experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, working on the site and with a training provider to achieve your qualification.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside specialist commissioning engineers to learn and increase knowledge, gaining real hands‑on experience in an engineering environment.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Set‑to‑Work (STW) activities, and observe Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) representing the principal contractor.
• Contribute to commissioning documentation, including reviewing FAT, STW and SAT documents, Commissioning & Acceptance plans, and Reservations.
• Take part in contractor meetings, with the goal of actively leading these meetings with support from colleagues.
• Identify technical solutions to problems encountered on site and support their delivery.
• Actively manage and record CPD from on‑the‑job training and external learning to provide evidence for professional registration/membership and SQEP.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Enthusiasm for discipline‑specific engineering (e.g., electrical, mechanical, controls, mechatronics) and a desire to continue an apprenticeship.
• Enthusiasm for learning and a positive attitude towards new technology.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Problem‑solving ability and teamwork skills.
• Comfortable using a computer and Microsoft software.
• Numeracy skills.

Essential Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in English, Maths and Science (Grade 9‑4 or A*‑C).
• A‑Level or equivalent (3 A‑Levels including Maths and a physical science) (Grade B in Maths, B, C or above) and/or BTEC or equivalent Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (Grade DDM or above).
• A passionate individual looking to undertake an apprenticeship with an award‑winning employer.
• An organised individual capable of meeting deadlines.
• Creative with a keen interest in the latest technology.
• Someone who enjoys challenges and problem‑solving in day‑to‑day work.
• Clear communication, both written and verbal.
• Problem‑solving ability.
• Team player, but able to work independently.
• Proficient with computer and Microsoft software.
• Strong numeracy.

Additional Requirements

• Candidate will be required to achieve appropriate security and medical clearances; these will be initiated on receiving a conditional offer of employment.
• Please bring passport and/or right‑to‑work documentation if invited to interview.
• Some project sites are located in remote areas; ability to travel to the site is required.

About Us

Costain helps to improve people’s lives with integrated, leading‑edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK’s energy, water, transportation, and defence markets. We support clients by improving capacity, customer service, security, resilience, decarbonisation, and efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK’s leading smart infrastructure solutions company.

About The Team

CMDP is a joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment, delivering a range of schemes to maintain and improve Southern Water’s water supply and wastewater treatment works in the eastern half of its region (Kent & Sussex).

Disability Confident Employer

Costain is a Disability Confident employer. We generally offer an interview to any applicant that discloses they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job. In high‑volume recruitment situations, we may limit the overall number of interviews offered to both disabled and non‑disabled people.

For more details see: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

Key Employment Details

Seniority level: Internship | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Engineering and Information Technology | Industries: Civil Engineering